‘Survival Mode’: Northwest Indiana Freezes as Power Outages Drag Into Days
Nine Days in the Dark: Indiana Communities Struggle Through Extended Power Outage
What Happened?
On August 11, a powerful storm swept through northwest Indiana, knocking down trees and power lines across the region. Nine days later, tens of thousands of people are still living without electricity. Meanwhile, heavy rains caused dangerous flash flooding in Columbus, Ohio.
Important Point: This isn’t just about lights not working. It affects food safety, medical devices, air conditioning, schools, and people’s mental health.
The Situation in Northwest Indiana
By the Numbers
- 68,000 customers still without power as of Thursday morning
- 306,500 customers have had power restored since August 11
- Majority of outages in Lake County (right next to the Illinois border)
- Full restoration not expected until Tuesday in some areas including Gary
Who’s Affected?
- Gary, Indiana: Schools closed since August 13, will stay closed through at least Friday
- Portage Township Schools: Delayed start from August 12 to August 25 due to safety concerns (downed trees, property damage)
- East Chicago: Some residents got power back, then lost it again
Health & Safety Dangers
Professor Courtney Page-Tan from Indiana University Indianapolis warns that health risks grow each day without power:
| Danger | Why It’s Serious |
|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide poisoning | People using generators indoors or in poorly ventilated spaces |
| Medical device failure | People who need powered medical equipment (oxygen machines, CPAP, refrigerated medications) |
| Foodborne illness | Refrigerated food spoiling after days without cooling |
| Heat exposure | No air conditioning during summer temperatures |
Voices from the Community
Shatiya Hardin, Hair Stylist (25 years in Gary)
"We’re always in survival mode in Gary… but this is the second week now. It’s not OK for us to continually be in survival mode."
Kevin Mejia, Community Organizer (East Chicago)
- Running a community Facebook page with 500+ comments per post
- People reporting hundreds of dollars in spoiled groceries
- Elderly residents don’t know where to turn for help
- Sleeping on the floor because mattress is too hot without AC
Raydia Martin, Flourish Community Hub
"We thrive best as humans on certainty and predictability… Just not knowing what’s coming next, where the next meal is going to come from, and when this is all going to be over. We need to have a light at the end of the tunnel."
Why Is This Taking So Long?
NIPSCO (the utility company) says:
- Damage is "unprecedented and widespread"
- Crews from around the country have arrived to help
- Repairing: downed wires, broken poles, damaged equipment
Why did Illinois recover faster?
- Different utility company (Commonwealth Edison vs. NIPSCO)
- Fewer trees in the affected Illinois areas
- Different infrastructure — some power lines are buried underground in Illinois
- As NIPSCO’s parent company executive Melody Birmingham said: "No storm is created equal. No service territory is the same."
Impact on Children & Families
School Closures = Major Disruption
- Gary School District: ~4,300 students, closed since August 13
- Portage Township: Pushed start date to August 25
- Safety concerns: Downed trees across school properties, damage needing repair
Hidden Consequences
Important Point: For families living paycheck-to-paycheck:
- No school = no childcare
- No childcare = parents can’t work
- No work = lost income they can’t afford
Flash Flooding Hits Columbus, Ohio
While Indiana deals with power outages, Columbus, Ohio (250 miles southeast) faced a new emergency:
What Happened?
- 3+ inches of rain fell in 12 hours
- Roadways covered in water
- Emergency crews rescued:
- Motorists from stranded cars
- Two women trapped in a flooded creek
- A 12-year-old boy swept off a bridge while bicycling
Mayor Andrew Ginther:
"We’ve been all hands on deck supporting residents since last week. We’re going to be focused on recovery, even with this curveball from Mother Nature."
How Communities Are Helping Each Other
Despite the hardship, people are stepping up:
- Volunteers & community groups distributing food, diapers, cleaning wipes
- Flourish Community Hub (Flourish Church in Gary) serving as a resource center
- Social media connecting people to:
- Open laundromats
- Working Wi-Fi spots
- Hot meal locations
- Phone charging stations
- Neighbors checking on elderly and vulnerable residents
What Needs to Happen Next
Immediate Priorities (Numbered Steps)
- Restore power to remaining 68,000 customers
- Ensure generator safety — prevent carbon monoxide deaths
- Get medical devices powered for vulnerable residents
- Replace spoiled food for low-income families
- Reopen schools safely (clear trees, repair damage)
- Address mental health toll of prolonged uncertainty
Longer-Term Questions
- Should more power lines be buried underground?
- How can infrastructure be hardened against storms?
- What emergency plans protect the most vulnerable?
Summary
Nine days after a devastating storm, northwest Indiana remains in crisis. 68,000 customers still lack power, with full restoration not expected until Tuesday. The outage has closed schools, spoiled food, endangered medical patients, and pushed communities into prolonged "survival mode." While volunteers and utility crews from across the country are helping, the situation highlights how fragile infrastructure and inequitable recovery hit low-income communities hardest. Meanwhile, Columbus, Ohio faces its own emergency with dangerous flash flooding. This dual disaster shows how climate-related events are testing community resilience across the Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some areas get power back faster than others?
A: It depends on: (1) how badly the local grid was damaged, (2) whether power lines are above ground or buried, (3) how many trees fell on lines, (4) how many repair crews are available, and (5) which utility company serves the area. Illinois has different infrastructure (more buried lines, fewer trees) and a different utility company.
Is it safe to use a generator indoors if I crack a window?
A: NO. Generators produce carbon monoxide — an odorless, colorless gas that kills. Even with windows open, CO can build up to deadly levels. Only use generators OUTDOORS, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents.
What should I do with food that’s been in a fridge without power for 9 days?
A: Throw it out. The rule: if power is out more than 4 hours, perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, leftovers) is unsafe. After 9 days, everything in the fridge and freezer should be discarded. "When in doubt, throw it out."
How can I help neighbors who rely on medical equipment?
A: Check on them regularly. Help them find a location with power (community center, hospital, family member’s home). Contact the local health department or utility company — some have priority restoration lists for medical needs. Never assume someone else is checking.
When will schools reopen?
A: Gary schools: closed through at least Friday. Portage Township: targeting August 25. It depends on: power restoration, tree removal, building safety inspections, and whether schools can provide safe meals and temperatures for students.